My language exchange partner (LEP) is working on improving his English. The entire conversation took place in English by phone using Google+ Hangouts.

We have been working through the book “The Job”. He had prepared by practicing Chapter 3. He called and asked if I had time for him to read to me. It was 11 pm. I suddenly felt like I was getting a bedtime story. Haha.

We read through the book. First he would read a sentence. Then I would read the sentence. He would repeat the sentence. I would correct any pronunciation errors. These are few since we have been doing this weekly for many months now. We discussed the vocabulary. It is a difficult book, not intended for non-native English speakers, filled with idioms and implications. Half an hour speeds by.

Google+ Hangouts is hit or miss for good quality phone conversations (free). LEP will contact me while he is commuting or exercising to make efficient use of his time. Often I will transcribe what he is saying, then correct his sentences and email him. LEP always decides on the material he wants to cover and brings a variety of things to be discussed in our sessions. LEP is the experienced language learner, and I was a total novice when we met in March, so I follow his lead.